PRESS BOX.

Rangers close to signing Gagne, lock up Lofton

December 13, 2006|By Tribune news services.

Reliever Eric Gagne and the Rangers reached a preliminary agreement Tuesday on a one-year contract worth about $6 million with up to $5 million in incentives. While Gagne's deal was still dependent on the results of a physical, the Rangers announced a $6 million, one-year contract for center fielder Kenny Lofton, a six-time All-Star. They also met with free-agent pitcher Mark Mulder.

- Red Sox outfielder Gabe Kapler retired after nine major-league seasons, the last three-plus in Boston, to start a managerial career with the team's Class A farm team in Greenville, S.C., a move he hopes will lead to a big-league job.

- The Tigers will not tender a 2007 contract to outfielder Alexis Gomez and the Braves declined to offer one to second baseman Marcus Giles, making both free agents. The Mets did the same with pitcher Victor Zambrano.

- The Cardinals and infielder Aaron Miles avoided arbitration, agreeing to a $1 million, one-year contract.

- Former Cubs reliever David Weathers agreed to a $5 million, two-year contract with the Reds, who also designated left-handed starter Brandon Claussen for assignment.

- Infielder Jeff Cirillo and the Twins reached preliminary agreement on a $1.5 million, one-year deal, which includes incentives.